HDL cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein, is a type of cholesterol in your body. Although you should keep your total cholesterol levels low, high HDL levels are actually a good thing. In fact, the more HDL you have, the lower your risk for cardiovascular disease.
Understanding Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like material that is naturally produced by your body. It is a necessary substance that is used to help build cells and sex hormones. There are two main kinds of cholesterol present in your blood--HDL cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol.
Good and Bad Cholesterol
HDL cholesterol is considered "good" cholesterol, and having high levels of it decreases your risk for heart disease. Low levels of HDL is considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. LDL is considered "bad" cholesterol. It is this type that is responsible for clogging arteries and increasing the risk for heart attack, coronary artery disease and stroke.
The Benefits of HDL
HDL cholesterol has a protective effect on your heart. Medical experts think that HDL cholesterol carries excess cholesterol away from the arteries to the liver, eventually to be excreted from the body.
Optimum Levels
Levels of HDL are considered high if they are above 40 mg/dL (for men) and 50 mg/dL (for women). Optimal levels are anything above 60 mg/dL for both men and women.
Increasing HDL
Regular exercise, weight loss, healthy diet, niacin supplements, smoking cessation and moderate alcohol consumption can all help to increase your HDL levels.
